Friend: John, can you come to the party tonight?
John: Sorry, no. I'd like to come, but my mum's very ill and I have to look after her.
John: Sorry, no. I want to come, but my mum's very ill and I have to look after her.
Do they both sound correct?
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1What are your doubts? – Ronald Sole Mar 27 '21 at 10:31
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2Both are grammatically correct, but (1) is more natural (or "I would have liked to come", implying "if circumstances had been different"). – Kate Bunting Mar 27 '21 at 10:38
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@KateBunting, Does "I would like to come" imply "if my mum were not ill"? – Mr. X Mar 27 '21 at 12:37
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1"I would like to come (but I can't because...)" – Kate Bunting Mar 27 '21 at 13:31